But the king replied to Araunah,”No I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24 (Chapter 23:8-24)
At the end of David’s life he decided to take a census. Counting heads was nothing new to the children of Israel. God had instructed they be counted when they left Egypt and once again when they crossed the river into Canaan. There are many good reasons for a king to know how many people he reigns over. Budgets are based on needs and projected taxes, and armies are called according to population. It is not clear why David ordered this accounting, but one thing is obvious! God didn’t like it! Was David overly proud of his accomplishments? Was he becoming secure in his own power rather than God’s? David was forced to chose one of three calamities as a consequence for his action. He chose a plague that killed thousands, and in the end, Gad, God’s prophet, told David to make a sacrifice. David complied.
The angel that was wreaking death was found on the threshing floor of Araunuh and David knew this would be the place of his forgiveness. David humbled himself completely before the LORD and bought this place from the farmer. Araunuh tried to give it to his king, but David refused and paid a fair price. Once again David found grace in the midst of his sin and failure.
There is more to the story of this altar. It is very near the place where Abraham trusted and obeyed God by offering Isaac as a sacrifice, and later, the site became home to Solomon’s temple. Grace changes everything!
Love,
Gretchen